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| Image : BBC News |
The president did not give evidence, but in the past has accused NGOs of criticizing their policies of starting wildfires that devastated the forest this year.
Several arrests were made amid controversial and unproven claims, fires were started to get funding.
DiCaprio, who pledged $ 5 million to the Amazon, denied Bolsonaro's claim.
The most recent comments appear to come from the arrest of four volunteer firefighters in northern Pará, alleging that fires have started to generate donations from NGOs.
Human rights groups, NGOs and critics said the police operation against them was politically motivated and an attempt to harass environmental groups.
The fires that burned in August this year caused global concern for the "lungs of the planet".
What did the president say?
His most recent accusation came during brief comments at the presidential residence on Friday.
"This Leonardo DiCaprio is a nice guy, right? Giving money to burn down the Amazon."
He gave no evidence and no further details, although the statement seems to echo a live webcast he gave on Thursday.
This revolved around the environmental organization, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and allegations, denied by the WWF, that they had paid for the images taken by the arrested firefighters, who have since been released.
Bolsonaro said: "So what did the NGO do? What's the easiest thing? Fire the forest. Take pictures, make a video. [WWF] campaign against Brazil, get in touch with Leonardo DiCaprio, donate US $ 500,000.
"A part of it went to the people who were on fire. Leonardo DiCaprio, you're contributing to the Amazon fire, that's no good," he said.
How did DiCaprio respond?
The actor and environmental activist issued a statement saying: "While they are certainly worth supporting, we do not fund organizations that are currently under attack.
"The future of these irreplaceable ecosystems is at stake and I am proud to be part of the groups that protect them."
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| Image:BBC News |
WWF also said it did not receive donations from the actor, whose Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation focuses on environmental projects.
Bolsonaro's accusation was mocked by opponents.
Senator Randolfe Rodrigues tweeted: "How desperate. Our negligent and incompetent president, responsible for unprecedented environmental dismantling, blames DiCaprio, but not his own government, which is unable to take a single step without destroying anything."
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Collect From - BBC News


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